Many military records are at the Family History Library, the National Archives, and other federal and state archives. [[United States Military Records|United States Military Records]] provides more information on federal military records and search strategies. {{Adoption DEGenWeb}}

Many military records are at the Family History Library, the National Archives, and other federal and state archives. [[United States Military Records|United States Military Records]] provides more information on federal military records and search strategies.

=== State Manuscript Records for all Wars ===

=== State Manuscript Records for all Wars ===

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The Delaware Public Archives has original military records of the colonial wars, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, militia records for 1765 to 1841, Mexican Border dispute, some Adjutant General Civil War files, Spanish-American War, National Guard Card File, World War I, and World War II records. They have indexes to many of these records. Records to 1827 are described in:

The Delaware Public Archives has original military records of the colonial wars, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, militia records for 1765 to 1841, Mexican Border dispute, some Adjutant General Civil War files, Spanish-American War, National Guard Card File, World War I, and World War II records. They have indexes to many of these records. Records to 1827 are described in:

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*Public Archives Commission of Delaware. ''Delaware Archives''. Five Volumes. Wilmington, Delaware: [N.p.], 1911-16. (Family History Library&nbsp;{{FHL|975.1 M2d|disp=book 975.1 M2d}}; Volume 1 is on Family History Library&nbsp;{{FHL|158728|title-id|disp=film 928150 item 1}}; Volume 2 is on Family History Library {{FHL|158728|title-id|disp=film 1033612 item 4}}; Volume 5 is on Family History Library {{FHL|158728|title-id|disp=film 599318 item 2}}; Volumes 3-5 are on Family History Library {{FHL|158728|title-id|disp=fiche 6051215}}.) This set contains colonial, revolutionary, and some post-revolutionary military records. The contents of the volumes are:

Peden, Henry C. ''Colonial Delaware Soldiers and Sailors 1638-1776''. Westminister, Maryland: Family Line Publications, 1995. (Family History Library {{FHL|744040|title-id|disp=book 975.1 M2p}}.) This has an alphabetical list of names of soldiers who served between 29 March 1638 and 4 July 1776.

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Peden, Henry C. ''Colonial Delaware Soldiers and Sailors 1638-1776''. Westminister, Maryland: Family Line Publications, 1995. {{FHL|744040|item|disp=FHL book 975.1 M2p}}. This has an alphabetical list of names of soldiers who served between 29 March 1638 and 4 July 1776.

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=== Forts ===

=== Forts ===

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A man born between 1730 and 1765 who lived in Delaware is probably listed in some form of military record. If he supported the Revolution, he may be mentioned in records as a rebel, patriot, or Whig. Those who opposed the Revolution were Loyalists or Tories. For patriot records of the Revolutionary War see:

A man born between 1730 and 1765 who lived in Delaware is probably listed in some form of military record. If he supported the Revolution, he may be mentioned in records as a rebel, patriot, or Whig. Those who opposed the Revolution were Loyalists or Tories. For patriot records of the Revolutionary War see:

The service records and pension files for Revolutionary War patriots are available at the Family History Library. For more information, see [[United States Military Records|United States Military Records]]. You can also use NATF Form 80 to obtain copies of some records from the National Archives for a fee.

The service records and pension files for Revolutionary War patriots are available at the Family History Library. For more information, see [[United States Military Records|United States Military Records]]. You can also use NATF Form 80 to obtain copies of some records from the National Archives for a fee.

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'''The 1835 Pension Roll'''

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'''The 1835 Pension Roll'''

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On June 5, 1834, the U.S. Senate required the Secretary of War to submit a statement showing the names of pensioners who were on the pension rolls or had previously been on the pension rolls. For more information on the 1835 Pension Roll see [[Revolutionary War Pension Records and Bounty Land Warrants|Revolutionary War Pension Records]]. The 1835 Pension Roll for Delaware is available online:

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On June 5, 1834, the U.S. Senate required the Secretary of War to submit a statement showing the names of pensioners who were on the pension rolls or had previously been on the pension rolls. For more information on the 1835 Pension Roll see [[Revolutionary War Pension Records and Bounty Land Warrants|Revolutionary War Pension Records]]. The 1835 Pension Roll for Delaware is available online:

The Delaware Public Archives and the Delaware Historical Society have records of soldiers who served in this war.

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The War of 1812 between Britain and the United States confirmed the separate existence of the United States and the future Canada.<br><br> See the Wiki article, [[Delaware in the War of 1812|Delaware in the War of 1812]], for information concerning military records, histories, links to relevant web sites, etc. for Delaware.<br>

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=== War with Mexico (1845-1848) ===

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There are helpful nationwide records for soldiers of the War of 1812. For more information, see [[United States in the War of 1812|United States in the War of 1812]]''.''<br>

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=== Mexican War (1846-1848) ===

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The Mexican War was caused by the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845. Most volunteer regiments were from southern states. Records of Mexican War veterans might exist in a state where the veteran later resided. <br>

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*''Mexican War Index to Pension Files, 1887–1926''. (NARA T317). {{FHL|0537000|item|disp=FHL films 0537000–13}} Alphabetically arranged and includes the veteran’s name, rank, and unit; names of dependents; date of filing and application; certificate numbers; act filed under; and state from which application was made. Also available at:<br>

*Robarts, William Hugh. ''Mexican War Veterans&nbsp;: A Complete Roster of the Regular and Volunteer Troops in the War Between the United States and Mexico, from 1846-1848…'' Washington, D.C.&nbsp;: Brentano’s, 1887. {{FHL|1854496|item|disp=FHL book 973 M2rwh}} Digital version available at [http://archive.org/details/mexicanwarvetera00roba Internet Archive].<br>

The Delaware Public Archives and the Delaware Historical Society have records of soldiers who served in this war.

The Delaware Public Archives and the Delaware Historical Society have records of soldiers who served in this war.

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Click on these links to learn more about the [[Mexican War, 1846 to 1848|Mexican War]] and about [[US Mexican War Pension Records|Mexican War pension records]]. <br>

The Spanish-American War was largely fought in Cuba and the Philippines. Spanish-American War records might exist in the state from which the soldier served or in a state where the veteran later resided.

*{{RecordSearch|1919583|United States, Index to Service Records, War with Spain, 1898}} (FamilySearch) Free digital copy. ([[United States, Index to Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers in the War with Spain (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Learn more.]])

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Click on the link to learn more about the [[Spanish-American War, 1898|Spanish American War]].

=== World War I (1917-1918) ===

=== World War I (1917-1918) ===

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The Delaware Public Archives has a National Guard Card File and records concerning World War I soldiers. The Historical Society of Delaware has individual questionnaires filled out by or for returning veterans of World War I.

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World War I was a global war fought on multiple continents with several nations involved. Over four million men and women served from the United States.

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World War I draft registration cards for men age 18 to 45 may list address, birth date, birthplace, race, nationality, citizenship, and next of kin. Not all registrants served in the war. For registration cards for Delaware, see:

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*United States. Selective Service System. ''Delaware World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918''. National Archives Microfilm Publications. Washington, DC: National Archives, 1987-1988. {{FHL|746971|item|disp=FHL film 1570621 (first of 11 films)}}. These cards have been digitized and are searchable online. Also available at:<br>

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*United States. Selective Service System. ''Delaware World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918''. National Archives Microfilm Publications. Washington, DC: National Archives, 1987-1988. (On Family History Library films beginning with {{FHL|746971|title-id|disp=1570621}}.)

To find an individual's draft card, it helps to know his name and residence at the time of registration. The cards are arranged alphabetically by county, within the county by draft board, and then alphabetically by surname within each draft board. Most counties had only one board; large cities had several.

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[[United States World War I Draft Records|United States World War I Draft Records]] provides additional information.

=== World War II (1941-1945) ===

=== World War II (1941-1945) ===

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The Delaware Public Archives has a National Guard Card File, and records concerning World War II soldiers. A helpful source is:

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'''Draft Registrations'''

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On April 27, 1942, the Selective Service conducted the fourth of six draft registrations related to WWII. The "World War II Selective Service Draft Cards: Fourth Registration, 1942" is often referred to as the “Old Man’s Registration” or the “Old Man’s Draft" because it included men with a date of birth from April 28, 1877 to February 16, 1897. Since there is overlap in the WWI and WWII Selective Service registration, men born in the years 1877 to 1900 may have registered twice and have both WWII and WWI draft records.

*A series of books entitled "[[United States World War II Biographies#Young_American_Patriots|Young American Patriots]]", published shortly after the war, documented the service of soldiers from different states including Maryland and Delaware. The series of books included photos and a short biography of some of the soldiers from the state.

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*Conner, William H., and Leon DeValinger, Jr. ''Delaware's Role in World War II.'' Two Volumes. Dover, Delaware: Public Archives Commission, 1955. {{FHL|217883|item|disp=FHL book 975.1 M2c}}. This book has brief biographical sketches about persons who died in World War II.

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The Delaware Public Archives has a National Guard Card File, and records concerning World War II soldiers.

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[[World War II United States Military Records, 1941 to 1945|World War II United States Military Records]] provides additional information.

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=== Korean War (1950–1953) ===

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The Korean War was a conflict between North Korea (and its communist allies) and South Korea (with support of the United Nations, primarily the United States). See the [[United States Korean War 1950 to 1953|Korean War ]] wiki article for information on records and their availability.

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=== Vietnam War (1964–1972) ===

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*Conner, William H., and Leon DeValinger, Jr. ''Delaware's Role in World War II.'' Two Volumes. Dover, Delaware: Public Archives Commission, 1955. (Family History Library {{FHL|217883|title-id|disp=book 975.1 M2c}}.) This book has brief biographical sketches about persons who died in World War II. <!--{12082848781090} -->

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The Vietnam War was a conflict between North Vietnam (and its communist allies) and South Vietnam (with support of its anti-communist allies, including the United States). See the [[United States Vietnam War 1964 to 1972|Vietnam War]] wiki article for information on records and their availability.

== References ==

== References ==

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:NOTE: All of the information from the original research outline has been imported into this Wiki site and is being updated as time permits.

:NOTE: All of the information from the original research outline has been imported into this Wiki site and is being updated as time permits.

Many military records are at the Family History Library, the National Archives, and other federal and state archives. United States Military Records provides more information on federal military records and search strategies.

State Manuscript Records for all Wars

The Historical Society of Delaware has military manuscripts for Delaware soldiers in their manuscript catalog. These include records of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, and World War I. Some militia units and veterans organizations are also included.

The Delaware Public Archives has original military records of the colonial wars, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, militia records for 1765 to 1841, Mexican Border dispute, some Adjutant General Civil War files, Spanish-American War, National Guard Card File, World War I, and World War II records. They have indexes to many of these records. Records to 1827 are described in:

Colonial Wars (1638-1776)

A useful publication is:

Peden, Henry C. Colonial Delaware Soldiers and Sailors 1638-1776. Westminister, Maryland: Family Line Publications, 1995. FHL book 975.1 M2p. This has an alphabetical list of names of soldiers who served between 29 March 1638 and 4 July 1776.

Forts

Revolutionary War (1775-1783)

A man born between 1730 and 1765 who lived in Delaware is probably listed in some form of military record. If he supported the Revolution, he may be mentioned in records as a rebel, patriot, or Whig. Those who opposed the Revolution were Loyalists or Tories. For patriot records of the Revolutionary War see:

White, Virgil D. Genealogical Abstracts of the Revolutionary War Pension Files. Four Volumes. Waynesboro, Tennessee: National Historical Publishing, 1990. FHL book 973 M28g. May include name, unit, service and application dates and places, age, birth date, marriage date, residences, and names of relatives. These abstracts are mainly from:

White, Virgil D. Index to Revolutionary War Service Records. Four Volumes. Waynesboro, Tennessee: National Historical Publishing, 1995. FHL book 973 M22wv. Shows the name, rank, and unit of over 390,000 patriots. Transcripts of:

United States. Adjutant General's Office. General Index to Compiled Military Service Records of Revolutionary War Soldiers. Washington, DC: National Archives, 1942. FHL films 882841-98.

The service records and pension files for Revolutionary War patriots are available at the Family History Library. For more information, see United States Military Records. You can also use NATF Form 80 to obtain copies of some records from the National Archives for a fee.

The 1835 Pension Roll

On June 5, 1834, the U.S. Senate required the Secretary of War to submit a statement showing the names of pensioners who were on the pension rolls or had previously been on the pension rolls. For more information on the 1835 Pension Roll see Revolutionary War Pension Records. The 1835 Pension Roll for Delaware is available online:

Mexican War (1846-1848)

The Mexican War was caused by the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845. Most volunteer regiments were from southern states. Records of Mexican War veterans might exist in a state where the veteran later resided.

Mexican War Index to Pension Files, 1887–1926. (NARA T317). FHL films 0537000–13 Alphabetically arranged and includes the veteran’s name, rank, and unit; names of dependents; date of filing and application; certificate numbers; act filed under; and state from which application was made. Also available at:

Robarts, William Hugh. Mexican War Veterans : A Complete Roster of the Regular and Volunteer Troops in the War Between the United States and Mexico, from 1846-1848… Washington, D.C. : Brentano’s, 1887. FHL book 973 M2rwh Digital version available at Internet Archive.

The Delaware Public Archives and the Delaware Historical Society have records of soldiers who served in this war.

Civil War (1861-1865)

See Delaware in the Civil War for information about Delaware Civil War records, web sites, etc. with links to articles about the Delaware regiments involved in the Civil War. The regimental articles often include lists of the companies with links to the counties where the companies started. Men in the companies often lived in the counties where the companies were raised. Knowing a county can help when researching the families of the soldiers.

The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System allows name searching for soldiers. The result set gives the regiment for the soldiers. Then you can check the regiment page to determine counties. Often knowing the counties that had men in a regiment will help you determine if a soldier was your ancestor.

Civil War Pension Index Cards

An Index to Pension Applications of veterans who served in the US Army between 1861-1917 is available on FamilySearch. Each card gives the soldier’s name, application and certificate numbers, state of enlistment, and might include rank and death information. Other wars, of that time period, may be included.

Spanish-American War (1898)

The Spanish-American War was largely fought in Cuba and the Philippines. Spanish-American War records might exist in the state from which the soldier served or in a state where the veteran later resided.

World War I (1917-1918)

World War I was a global war fought on multiple continents with several nations involved. Over four million men and women served from the United States.

United States. Selective Service System. Delaware World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. National Archives Microfilm Publications. Washington, DC: National Archives, 1987-1988. FHL film 1570621 (first of 11 films). These cards have been digitized and are searchable online. Also available at:

World War II (1941-1945)

Draft Registrations

On April 27, 1942, the Selective Service conducted the fourth of six draft registrations related to WWII. The "World War II Selective Service Draft Cards: Fourth Registration, 1942" is often referred to as the “Old Man’s Registration” or the “Old Man’s Draft" because it included men with a date of birth from April 28, 1877 to February 16, 1897. Since there is overlap in the WWI and WWII Selective Service registration, men born in the years 1877 to 1900 may have registered twice and have both WWII and WWI draft records.

A series of books entitled "Young American Patriots", published shortly after the war, documented the service of soldiers from different states including Maryland and Delaware. The series of books included photos and a short biography of some of the soldiers from the state.

Conner, William H., and Leon DeValinger, Jr. Delaware's Role in World War II. Two Volumes. Dover, Delaware: Public Archives Commission, 1955. FHL book 975.1 M2c. This book has brief biographical sketches about persons who died in World War II.

The Delaware Public Archives has a National Guard Card File, and records concerning World War II soldiers.

Korean War (1950–1953)

The Korean War was a conflict between North Korea (and its communist allies) and South Korea (with support of the United Nations, primarily the United States). See the Korean War wiki article for information on records and their availability.

Vietnam War (1964–1972)

The Vietnam War was a conflict between North Vietnam (and its communist allies) and South Vietnam (with support of its anti-communist allies, including the United States). See the Vietnam War wiki article for information on records and their availability.